How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Outside, fireworks blossomed against the inky night sky. Elodie glanced up, watching the bursts of color fade before turning to see Rosemary and Emile nearby, capturing the moment on video.

She could feel the old woman's concern for her, warm and genuine.

If it weren't for her grandmother shielding her these past years, life in the Silverstein family would have been even harder.

"Grandma, we didn't argue," Elodie said softly. "You know how it is—Jarrod and I hardly ever fight."

Most of their issues simmered in silence.

After all, arguments require some spark of feeling. But all Jarrod had for her was cold indifference, maybe even contempt.

For a moment, her grandmother was at a loss for words.

She understood. Even the closest couples have their share of squabbles— especially after years of marriage. Weren't Jarrod and Elodie supposed to be the most important people in each other's lives by now?

Yet the way they lived... it was as if they were strangers, bound together only by obligation.

Elodie had tried everything to warm the ice between them, but nothing seemed to work.

Jarrod simply didn't care.

He treated her like a business associate polite, detached, and never personal.

Her grandmother seemed at a loss, finally letting out a sigh. "You're right. Your grandfather and the others are getting on in years. You should spend time with them-it's no big deal as long as you two didn't fight. Still, I'll have another talk with that stubborn boy. Don't worry, darling, I won't let him take you for granted!"

Elodie knew how much her grandmother worried over her marriage.

After a long pause, she finally replied, gently, "Grandma, it's all right. There's no need."

They were already divorced-there was no point in fixing what was broken.

more effort on something hopeless. Maybe, with this hint, it would be easier for her to

right... Just enjoy your time with your family, and wish them a happy New

"I will."

call, Elodie let out

hotel kitchen and make a few treats for her grandparents. Her grandmother had

the hotel staff were

a simple

through baking, her phone chimed

her messages-it was

coming back? Mom said you're

I have

are

it, are you jealous or something? Fine, I'll call you 'sis-in-law' for once. Just don't

Elodie's expression didn't change.

to her when she wanted something, and her tone was always

obsessed with her antiques

meeting her every demand, but Octavia had grown picky and entitled, never satisfied with anyone

was a time when Octavia had clung to

once Sylvie appeared, Octavia became

saw no reason to keep indulging her—especially after all the times Octavia had hurt

Octavia's chat, and

she locked her phone and went back

with three boxes

a moment's thought, she messaged Freya, asking her to come downstairs

sending her a doctor's contact, even though

chatting about drones before heading back, satisfied

TV with Rosemary

her shower and evening routine, she received

New Year's without seeing something